Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs for OPT Students

Behavioral Health Counselor roles on OPT typically require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Most positions also require state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, which matters for your OPT timeline. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.

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Overview

Open Jobs1,123+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type91% On-site
Salary Range$30K – $44K
Top LocationMemphis, TN
Most JobsLifestance Health

Showing 5 of 1,123+ Behavioral Health Counselor jobs

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Health Counselor
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Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Added 1d ago
Behavioral Health Counselor
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Columbus, Georgia
Nursing
Allied Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
On-Site
6+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Sanford Health
Behavioral Health Counselor
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Sanford Health
Added 2d ago
Behavioral Health Counselor
Sanford Health
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$27/hr - $41/hr
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Cornerstone Family Healthcare
Behavioral Health Counselor
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Cornerstone Family Healthcare
Added 4d ago
Behavioral Health Counselor
Cornerstone Family Healthcare
New Windsor, New York
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$65,000/yr - $82,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's
201-500

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Ascension
Behavioral Health Counselor
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Ascension
Added 5d ago
Behavioral Health Counselor
Ascension
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$26/hr - $38/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Alexander Youth Network
Behavioral Health Counselor
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Alexander Youth Network
Added 6d ago
Behavioral Health Counselor
Alexander Youth Network
Charlotte, North Carolina
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
High School
201-500

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Counselor

Clarify your licensure status upfront

Most Behavioral Health Counselor positions require a state license or documented progress toward one. Know exactly where you stand before applying. Employers hiring on OPT need confidence you can legally practice, so lead with your licensure timeline in your cover letter.

Target employers with supervision infrastructure

Community health centers, hospital systems, and nonprofits often have licensed supervisors on staff who can oversee your hours toward licensure. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have experience hiring international counseling graduates.

Highlight your degree field on every application

OPT must be directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling or social work is a strong match for this role. State that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers see the authorization is straightforward.

Start your OPT application early

USCIS recommends applying up to 90 days before your program end date. Behavioral Health Counselor hiring timelines can stretch two to three months, so having your EAD in hand before you start applying puts you in a much stronger position with employers.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer

Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. Since this role does not qualify for STEM extension, you need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B before your OPT expires. Raise the sponsorship question during the offer stage, not after.

Focus on employers with a record of sponsoring counselors

Large behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, and VA facilities have sponsored international workers before and understand the process. Search Migrate Mate to find Behavioral Health Counselor roles at employers actively open to OPT candidates and visa sponsorship.

Behavioral Health Counselor jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?

Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a closely related field satisfies the OPT direct-relationship requirement for this role. You'll need your EAD card before starting work, and your position must align with the field listed on your SEVIS record.

Does Behavioral Health Counselor qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

No. Behavioral Health Counseling falls under CIP codes in the social and behavioral sciences, not the STEM-designated fields recognized by DHS. That means your OPT work authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another nonimmigrant visa before your OPT expires is essential.

Do I need a state license to work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?

Licensure requirements depend on the state and the specific job. Many entry-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward a license such as the LPC, LMHC, or LCSW. Confirm the employer's requirements before applying, since unlicensed practice in a state that requires it could jeopardize both your employment and your OPT status.

How do I find Behavioral Health Counselor employers who sponsor OPT?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness. Behavioral Health Counselor roles at community mental health centers, hospital systems, and federally qualified health centers are among the most active hirers of international graduates in this field. Browsing by employer type on Migrate Mate helps you focus on organizations with a sponsorship track record.

What happens to my OPT if I'm still accumulating supervision hours toward licensure?

Your OPT status is tied to active, qualifying employment, not licensure status. Working under a licensed supervisor while accruing hours counts as valid OPT employment as long as the role is related to your degree and you're being compensated. Unpaid supervision hours do not satisfy OPT employment requirements, so confirm your arrangement includes paid employment before your program ends.

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